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Mountain View News Saturday, May 5, 2018
Vice President Mike
Pence Visits JPL
Candidate
in PCC
President
Search
Drops Out
Candidate forums canceled
Pasadena City College
officials said Friday that Dr.
Cliff Davis, vice chancellor
of the Ozark Technical
Community College System
in Springfield, Mo., and
president of the Ozarks
Technical College Table
Rock campus, dropped out
as the last candidate for
PCC president, forcing the
school to start the search
over.
In a letter to students faculty
and staff Friday the school
said two forums scheduled
Monday at noon and 5 p.m.
have been canceled.
In a special meeting Friday
morning the PCC Board of
Trustees voted to negotiate
a contract to keep current
President Dr. Rajen Vurdien
through June 2019.
A new president search
time line was also approved
starting June 13 with
the board approving the
selection of an executive
search firm and job
announcement; September
7 Application packages due
to the college; October 17
Board of Trustees select
candidates to interview;
November 10 Candidates
interviewed and top two or
three selected; December
10-11 Finalists meet the
students faculty and staff on
campus and December 19
with the board selection of
superintendent/president.
The board also approved
the creation of a committee
to review, suggest changes
to, or update its bylaws
governing the executive
search process. The
committee will consist
of tree members each of
the Board of Trustees,
tenured faculty, managers
and classified staff. Board
members said they expect
work by the committee to
be completed before June 6.
Vice President Mike Pence 3rd from right.
Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Vice President Mike Pence
toured the birthplace of
numerous past, present and
future space missions at
the agency’s Jet Propulsion
Laboratory in Pasadena,
California. Pence made the
visit one week before today’s
scheduled launch of Mars
InSight lander.
The afternoon visit by the
Vice President, his wife,
Karen, and daughter Charlotte,
included a stop in JPL’s Mission
Control, where engineers will
communicate with NASA’s
Interior Exploration using
Seismic Investigations, Geodesy
and Heat Transport (InSight).
The Mars lander is scheduled
to launch Saturday, May 5, from
Vandenberg Air Force Base in
California. InSight will be the
first interplanetary mission ever
to launch from the West Coast,
and is the first-ever mission to
study the interior of Mars.
The Mission Control building,
a National Historic Landmark,
has served as a hub for
communications with countless
spacecraft since 1964, including
some of NASA’s Apollo Moon
missions, the twin Voyager
spacecraft at the edge of our
solar system, and the Cassini
mission to Saturn. From
here, Charlotte Pence had an
opportunity to send commands
giving the Mars Curiosity
rover a day’s worth of science
activities. The signal took about
seven minutes to travel the 80
million miles to reach Curiosity,
which has been roaming the
Red Planet for almost six years.
“We were honored to show
the Vice President, who has a
strong commitment to space
exploration, some of our special
sites and space missions,” said
JPL Director Michael Watkins.
“With JPL’s rich history,
which includes designing and
building America’s first satellite
for launch in 1958, and with
our cutting-edge scientific
capabilities, we stand ready to
advance exploration as we move
forward into our revitalized
space age.”
The tour included a stop at
the JPL Mars Yard, an outdoor
test facility that simulates the
Martian landscape. There, the
Pence family tried their hands
at maneuvering a test Mars
rover. They also visited the
Spacecraft Assembly Facility,
where the Mars 2020 mission
hardware is being assembled.
Mars 2020 will search for signs
of habitability in Mars’ ancient
past and signs of past microbial
life.
The Vice President, who chairs
the National Space Council, was
accompanied on the tour by
Watkins, JPL Deputy Director
Larry James, Mars Exploration
Program Director Fuk Li,
Caltech President Thomas
Rosenbaum, National Space
Council Executive Secretary
Scott Pace, and Jim Ellis, chair
of the NASA Space Council
Users Advisory Group. Caltech
manages JPL for NASA.
Golf Course Could Become City Park
By Dean Lee
Pasadena City Manager
Steve Mermell confirmed
Friday that city officials were
in talks with Los Angeles
County over a possible
takeover of Eaton Canyon
Golf Course —if approved,
they would close the nine
hole course in East Pasadena
to be used as park space.
“The county approached
the city and said they were
interested in transferring
[Eaton Canyon Golf
Course] —and if the city was
interested in taking it over as
a golf course?” Mermell said.
“We are interested in it as a
park only.”
He said they were in the very
early stages of discussions,
“nothing has been finalized,
nothing has gone to the
county board of supervisors.
Its all conceptual at this
point.”
“There would have to be
a covenant that says its for
open space, we’re not going
to use it to build homes,”
Mermell said.
He said there still needed
to be an environmental
report as well as a series of
community meeting. The
issue would also need a vote
from the city council to move
forward.
“I’m hopeful that in less
than a year, we will get to a
decision point. If the city
were to get the land we would
engage in a master plan
process with the community
in what they would want to
see for the area,” he said. “But
a golf course is off the table.”
Mermell said that the city
would lose money keeping
it as a golf course. He said
the course had been losing
money and that is why the
county is looking to offload
it.
“We will never again have
the opportunity to acquire
that much parkland. That
would be a great get for the
city,” he said.
Neighbors in the area had
rumored the idea of soccer
fields something Mermell did
not rule out.
Celebrate
Cinco
de Mayo
Responsibly
In order to reduce motorcycle
crashes and save lives, the
Pasadena Police Department
and the California Office of
Traffic Safety (OTS) are teaming
up with the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) this month for the
annual Motorcycle Safety
Awareness campaign to help
save lives on our roadways.
The awareness campaign aims
to educate vehicle drivers and
motorcyclists on how each
motorist can be more aware
of the other, creating safer
roads and saving lives in the
process.
Pasadena Police Department
will join law enforcement
throughout the state to step
up enforcement along with
awareness efforts to lower
motorcycle deaths and injuries
during the May campaign.
Officers will have a special
emphasis this month on
enforcing all traffic violations by
both motorists and motorcyclist
deploying Saturation Patrols on
May 11, and May 12.
Pasadena Police Department
has these general tips to drivers
on how to prevent a fatal crash
with a motorcycle:
Though a motorcycle is a small
vehicle, motorist can do their
part by sharing the road.
Always us a turn signal when
changing lanes or merging with
traffic.
If you see a motorcycle
with a signal on, be careful:
motorcycle signals are often
non-canceling and could have
been forgotten. Always ensure
that the motorcycle is turning
before proceeding.
Stay alert, check all mirrors
and blind spots for motorcycles
before changing lanes or
merging with traffic.
Always allow more following
distance, follow at a safe
distance when behind a
motorcycle. This gives them
more time to maneuver or stop
in an emergency.
Never drive distracted or
impaired.
Motorcyclists can increase their
safety by following these steps:
Wear a DOT-compliant helmet
and other protective gear.
Ride safely when lane sharing
and always proceed at safe
speeds.
Obey all traffic laws and be
properly licensed.
Use turn signals at every lane
change or turn.
Wear brightly colored clothes
and reflective tape to increase
visibility.
Ride safely when lane sharing
and always proceed at safe
speeds.
Never ride distracted or
impaired.
The Office of Traffic Safety
encourages all riders, new
and experienced, to enroll in
the California Motorcyclist
Safety Program (CMSP). The
CMSP was developed in July
1987 and has training sites
throughout the state. The
CMSP trains approximately
60,000 motorcyclists per year
and has trained more than 1.1
million motorcycle riders. For
more information, or to find
a training site near you, visit
californiamotorcyclist.com.
The Motorcycle Safety
Saturation Patrols are funded
by a grant from the California
Office of Traffic Safety, through
the National Highway Traffic
Safety.
Motorcycle
Awareness
Month
In the United States, the
Cinco de Mayo holiday
is often associated with
parties and alcohol. If you’re
celebrating with friends
and family this weekend,
remember that at the end
of the night, you need to
have a safe and sober ride
home. Police, Sheriff and
the CHP will be out in force
looking for the telltale signs
of impaired driving this
weekend.
In the rush to prepare
for a night out, it’s easy to
forget the most important
Cinco de Mayo plan of all:
designating a sober driver.
Going out for a night of
drinking without a plan
for getting home safely is a
recipe for disaster.
Pasadena Police
Department will deploy
additional officers on
special DUI Saturation
Patrols specifically to stop
and arrest drivers showing
signs of alcohol or drug
impairment during the
hours of 6:00 PM and 3:00
AM., in areas with history
of DUI crashes and DUI
arrests.
Pasadena Police
Department supports the
new effort from the Office
of Traffic Safety (OTS)
that aims to educate all
drivers that “DUI Doesn’t
Just Mean Booze.” If you
take prescription drugs,
particularly those with
a driving or operating
machinery warning on
the label, you might be
impaired enough to get
a DUI. Marijuana use
can also be impairing,
especially in combination
with alcohol or other drugs,
and can result in a DUI.
There are many other
ways to ensure a safe ride
home besides relying on a
friend. The OTS DDVIP
app is now available for
free download on iOS and
Android devices. The app
offers enhanced features,
allowing users to search
all participating bars and
restaurants throughout
California. Additionally,
the app users can easily
order a sober ride from
Uber or Lyft.
To report Drunk Drivers
- call 911.
Free Monthly Events at
Pasadena Senior Center
There is something for everyone
in May at the Pasadena Senior
Center, 85 E. Holly St.
You do not have to be a
member to attend. Some events
require advance reservations as
noted.
A Toast to the Joys of Music –
Tuesdays to May 29, from 9:30
to 11:30 a.m. Tom Campbell
returns to play his guitar and
sing covers of traditional
country, country rock, blues,
folk, gospel and classic rock
music made famous by The
Grateful Dead, Vince Gill,
Merle Haggard, B.B. King,
Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, The
Rolling Stones and others.
Taxi Vouchers – Tuesday, May
1, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Qualified
low-income adults who are
50 and older and live in the
Pasadena area will receive two
vouchers for taxi rides. Proof of
income and a California ID are
required. Quantities are limited.
Scenic Walkers Club –
Wednesdays to May 30, at
10 a.m. Join members of the
Pasadena Senior Center’s
Scenic Walkers Club for walks
to scenic local places to enjoy
the great outdoors and get some
exercise. For more information,
including where to meet up each
week, contact Scenic Walkers
Club coordinator Alan Colville
at alancolville@charter.net.
Domino Club – Thursdays
to May 24, at 1 p.m. Rollicking
games of chicken foot dominoes
will have you laughing as the
tiles cascade! This game is
easy enough for beginners
yet challenging enough for
seasoned players. For more
information call Vicki Leigh at
(928) 478-4654.
Friday Movie Matinees at
1 p.m. Everyone enjoys the
experience of watching movies
and the pleasures they bring.
May 11: “Darkest Hour” (2017,
R) starring Gary Oldman and
Kristin Scott Thomas. As the
threat of Germany’s invasion
looms during the early days
of World War II, Britain faces
its darkest hour while the fate
of Western Europe hangs on
the leadership of Winston
Churchill, the new prime
minister. May 18: “Coco” (2017,
PG) with the voice talents of
Anthony Gonzalez and Gael
García Bernal. Despite his
family’s baffling generations-
old ban on music, young Miguel
aspires to be an accomplished
musician and enters the Land
of the Dead where he meets
an array of extraordinary
characters who help him unlock
the real story behind his family
history.
Wellness Care – Thursday,
May 10, at 10 a.m. Learn about
the popular Activator Methods
Technique that uses a Medicare-
approved instrument to apply
gentle, low-force chiropractic
adjustments; acupuncture,
a safe, all-natural, drug-free
and virtually painless healing
technique that dates back more
than 2,500 years; and holistic
nutrition. Presented by Dr. Ted
Marriott, David Liu L.A.C. and
Harvey Slater.
Hoarding and Clutter –
Thursday, May 17, at 10
a.m. Hording disorder affects
between two and five percent of
the population. Learn about the
symptoms and possible causes
of this newly identified clinical
disorder and resources available
for people who want to get
treatment. Presented by Mary
DeVan, a licensed social worker
and therapist who specializes in
the disorder.
LA Opera Talk: In Love with
Mozart – Monday, May 21, at 1
p.m. An LA Opera community
educator will explore the
reasons Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart has been beloved by
people from all walks of life for
more than 200 years.
Estate Planning Basics, Part 1
– Thursday, May 24, at 10 a.m.
Learn the basic facts everyone
should know about trusts, wills
and probate issues. Presented
by the Law Offices of Geoffrey
Chin.
Estate Planning Basics, Part 2
– Thursday, May 31, at 10 a.m.
Learn the basic facts everyone
should know about estate taxes,
conservatorships and durable
powers of attorney. Presented
by the Law Offices of Geoffrey
Chin.
For more information visit
www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org
or call (626) 795-4331. Founded
in 1960, the Pasadena Senior
Center is an independent
nonprofit agency that offers
recreational, educational,
wellness and social services to
people ages 50 and older.
Pet of the
Week
Larry (A452618) is a 2-year-
old pit bull who loves toys.
He can hear a squeaky
toy from a mile away and
will stop whatever he is
doing and perk up. His
absolute favorite toy is the
Jolly Ball. Our volunteers
have noticed he has good
focus and is good with
commands. While out on
our Wiggle Waggle Wagon,
he has met many children
and is friendly to people of
all ages. Larry has received
his blue ribbon, so he knows
his “sit,” “down,” and “stay”
and is ready to find a home.
The adoption fee for dogs
is $130. All dogs are spayed
or neutered, microchipped,
and vaccinated before
going to their new home.
New adopters will receive
a complimentary health-
and-wellness exam from
VCA Animal Hospitals, as
well as a goody bag filled
with information about how
to care for your pet.
View photos of adoptable
pets at pasadenahumane.
org. Adoption hours are
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday;
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
through Friday; and 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available
for adoption and cannot
be held for potential
adopters by phone calls or
email.
Metro Bike Share Looking
for Input on Stations
Metro is constantly looking to improve the bike share system and
is interested in relocating some stations in Pasadena to better serve
residents and visitors. To give your input, visit: bikeshare.metro.
net/suggest-a-location.
The average station size is approximately 50 feet in length. Some
stations may be smaller or larger. Stations may be placed in parking
lanes, plazas or open areas that do not impact circulation
What are the station siting criteria?
We are searching for locations on streets, sidewalks or plazas that
provide:
Connectivity – Connections to transit hubs and key destinations
create a network.
Space Availability – Wider sidewalks and parking spaces are great
locations.
Accessibility – Stations should be visible from the street and easy,
safe and comfortable to get to.
Sun – Sunny spots are best since stations run on solar power.
Demand and Support – Stations should be located where there is
high demand.
Convenient & Close to Bike Lanes – Stations should be as close
as possible to key destinations and placed along streets with bike
lanes or where riding is comfortable.
The deadline for comments is Friday, May 18.
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com